Monday, 29 July 2019

The Devil's Lightsaber: A triple century of blogs (The Real Deal)

Well, I have reached 300 blogs now (Wow! Can you believe it already!) so here is the best bits of 2019 but this one is about the 9th chapter of The Team New Zealand Story 1995 - 2003 book which is Boosting the economy:

Well, here is chapter 9 of The Team New Zealand story 1995 - 2003 book which is boosting the economy that I'm doing today on my blog:

It's no secret that holding the America's Cup is equally valuable for both sporting & economic reasons.
The difference is the sporting benefit isn't readily measurable. It's more a case of a feel-good rub-off but it's the sporting success - or at least the event itself - that drives the tangible by-products for the economy.
Team New Zealand's victory in San Diego in 1995 provided the opprtunity for the magic of the America's Cup to galvanise New Zealanders in a nationalistic sense but it also opened the door for huge financial benefits. Mounting a successful defence in 2000 then created the chance to at least double the value in 2003.
Various spin doctors insisted the cup would have an enormously positive effect on both the Auckland & national economies. Obviously the ultra rich syndicates coming to town would generate significant spending locally while the impact on tourism could never be under-estimated.
It turned out precisely that way during & even after the 2000 defence & now there's optimism the 2003 event may be potentially even more lucrative.
It's similar to the New Zealand film industry. Projects such as the Lord Of The Rings extravaganza advertise New Zealand in a special & spectacular manner; the expectation is that will have a flow-on boost for tourism numbers down the line.
So it is with the America's Cup. The exposure for New Zealand & Auckland particularly during the 2000 regatta could only be exceptionally positive. The television coverage of the racing itself enhanced Auckland's image & so did the contribution by a vast contingent of international media. The tangible rewards of such promotion are likely to manifest themselves in the 2003 regatta.
Such anticipation is based on the results of an America's Cup 2000 Economic Report which rolled out an array of numbers endorsing the event's influence.
It claims the America's Cup generated $640m of value added to the New Zealand economy & $473 to the Auckland region's economy. Government sources later pointed out the GST take alone from America's Cup revenue was in the region of $100m.
The breakdown of information was even more illuminating in the America's Cup report. Among other statistics it showed syndicates spent $149.2m, super yacht owners contributed $118m & international visitors $164m.
Among business areas to benefit from that significant spend were the marine sector ($126.7m), construction ($491.7m), accommodation ($64.2m), restaurants/hospitality ($51.3m), retail ($56.8m), entertainment & leisure ($33.2m) plus media & communications ($23.6m).
Many of the businesses to prosper can, of course, be found in & around the superb facility now known as the American Express Viaduct Harbour. The immediate vicinity with its restaurants, bars, super yacht facilities & various boat industry businesses is the natural magnet for the America's Cup regatta.
Massive development changed the face of the area for Team New Zealand's first defence. It was unrecognisable from the dilapidated facility it had been & the good news is that considerable improvements & extensions have been made since 2000. There's no question the American Express Viaduct Harbour sets Auckland apart from other venues that have staged America's Cup regattas.
Tourism New Zealand can also point to any number of ways in which the America's Cup benefits the country as a whole.
Once came when the Auld Mug was on display at the Genoa Boat Show in October 2000 (several months after Russell Coutts & others had left Team New Zealand). Dean Barker & Tom Schnackenberg were both present & helped to generate 25 spots on television networks across Italy (plus 29 newspaper articles).
Tourism New Zeland also says 39,000 international visitors were in New Zealand specifically for America's Cup 2000 but also travelled extensively to destinations such as Queenstown.
It points to the media's influence as well, highlighting the fact that of the 1600-strong media contingent covering the last regatta two thirds were from overseas. It was estimated that 400 million people saw 1500 hours of television coverage in 98 countries. As they say, that's publicity money can't buy & the benefits may only become apparent during the 2003 event.
The America's Cup is first & foremost a sporting contest but everyone knows it's also one of the most potent business tools in the sporting world.
Auckland & New Zealand have witnessed that once & are about to do so again. Many people have a vested interest in hoping there'll be more to come after 2003 as well.

And in Rugby Championship news such as the All Blacks (Who had lost world class lock & hard man Brodie Retallick for the Rugby World Cup with a dislocated shoulder (Well, that is a massive blow for the AB's with 2 months out until the tournament begins because we have lost Damian McKenzie already & now Retallick has joined McKenzie as list of injured All Blacks who are in danger of missing the whole tournament through injuries) miss out on a win against the Springboks at Westpac Stadium in Wellington after the match between both sides ended in a draw (Although South Africa were 16 - 9 down but they were not out of it as they scored a try & a conversion to tie the game up right at the death therefore saving themselves from certain defeat) before the Wallabies returned to winning ways, punishing Argentina by 6 points at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane while in the Pacific Nations Cup, 2019 RWC hosts Japan, Samoa & the USA get their wins against Fiji, Tonga & Canada respectively.

And finally it was on Saturday that Pops took me to Cooks Gardens to watch the club rugby final here in Whanganui but it was Ngamatapouri who defeated Pirates 32 - 20 to claim the senior division title then it was Taihape who became champions of Whanganui club rugby, beating Border in the final of the premier division after the match ended in a draw so they had to go to extra time 10 minutes each way but it was Taihape who scored 1st at extra time & held on until the end (I literally enjoyed that match because it was reminiscent of the 2019 Cricket World Cup final which was decided in a super over) but 2 days later, me, Pops, Carole & Donna went to the movies yesterday which is The Keeper but the movie is about a German prisoner of war named Bert Trautmann who became a goalkeeper of a soccer team in England which started winning before eventually being signed by Manchester City, & after the movie we went to The Brick House where I had lambs fry & bacon with vegetables as well as a lemon meringue pie for dessert (And I mean what a lovely day that was).

So that is my 300th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 40th of this year.

Wednesday, 24 July 2019

All Blacks team naming against the Springboks (2019 Rugby Championship)

Well, the All Blacks have named their team against the Springboks (Who spoiled the party last year with a stunning upset victory but the AB's are on a redemption mission to conquer South Africa in our 1st home test match of the year in round 2 of the 2019 Rugby Championship) at Westpac Stadium in Wellington so here is the starting lineup in it's entirety:

PLAYING XV

FRONT ROW
1 (Loose head prop): Joe Moody (Crusaders/Canterbury)
2 (Hooker): Codie Taylor (Crusaders/Canterbury)
3 (Tight head prop): Owen Franks (Crusaders/Canterbury)

SECOND ROW
4 (Lock): Brodie Retallick (Chiefs/Hawke's Bay)
5 (Lock): Sam Whitelock (Crusaders/Canterbury)

BACK ROW
6 (Blind side flanker): Shannon Frizell (Highlanders/Tasman)
7 (Open side flanker): Matt Todd (Crusaders/Canterbury)
8 (Number 8): Kieran Read (Captain, Crusaders/Counties Manukau)

HALVES
9 (Half-back): TJ Perenara (Hurricanes/Wellington)
10 (First five-eighth): Richie Mo'unga (Crusaders/Canterbury)

MIDFIELD
12 (Second five-eighth): Sonny Bill Williams (Blues/Counties Manukau)
13 (Centre): Jack Goodhue (Crusaders/Northland)

OUTSIDE BACKS
11 (Left wing): Rieko Ioane (Blues/Auckland)
14 (Right wing): Ben Smith (Highlanders/Otago)
& 15 (Fullback): Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes/Taranaki)

And in the reserves are:

16. Dane Coles (Who replaces Liam Coltman with Codie Taylor expected to start at hooker)
17. Ofa Tu'ungafasi (Who replaces Atu Moli with Joe Moody also expected to start at loosehead prop)
18. Angus Ta'avao (Who is dropped to the bench to make way for Nepo Laulala with Owen Franks to play at tighthead prop)
19. Vaea Fifita (Who is also dropped to the bench to replace Jackson Hemopo)
20. Dalton Papali'i (Who has replaced young All Black loose forward Luke Jacobson)
21. Aaron Smith (Who is dropped to the bench with TJ Perenara returning to start at halfback)
22. Anton Lienert-Brown (Who is also dropped to the bench replacing Josh Ioane with Jack Goodhue all but confirmed to start at centre)
& 23. George Bridge (Who replaces Crusaders & Canterbury teammate Braydon Ennor to wear the number 23 jersey)

So that is my 299th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 39th of this year (There is only 1 to go until I reach the big 300, wow!).

Tuesday, 23 July 2019

2019 Rugby Championship round 1 round up (+ Maori All Blacks Vs Fiji review)

Well, the All Blacks have begun 2019 in style, comfortably putting Argentina to the sword by 4 points in the opening match of this years Rugby Championship campaign (Well, we're looking good at the start) so here is the match commentary:

Kia ora, good morning and welcome to live updates of the Argentina vs All Blacks at the Estadio José Amalfitani in Buenos Aires.

This is the All Blacks' first test match of 2019 as preparations for this years Rugby World Cup starts to heat up.

The test is the 1st of 5 games New Zealand will play before their World Cup defence begins against South Africa on September 21 in Yokohama.

New Zealand have never been defeated in 28 meetings with Argentina, although the Argentinians managed a 21-21 draw in 1985.

Lineups

All Blacks: 1-Ofa Tuungafasi, 2-Dane Coles, 3-Angus Ta'avao, 4-Brodie Retallick, 5-Patrick Tuipulotu, 6-Vaea Fifita, 7-Sam Cane, 8-Ardie Savea, 9-Aaron Smith, 10-Beauden Barrett, 11-Jordie Barrett, 12-Ngani Laumape, 13-Anton Lienert-Brown, 14-Sevu Reece, 15-Ben Smith

Reserves: 16-Liam Coltman, 17-Atu Moli, 18-Nepo Laulala, 19-Jackson Hemopo, 20-Luke Jacobson, 21-Brad Weber, 22-Josh Ioane, 23-Braydon Ennor

Argentina: 1-Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, 2-Agustín Creevy, 3-Juan Figallo, 4-Guido Petti, 5-Tomas Lavanini, 6-Pablo Matera (c), 7-Marcos Kremer, 8-Javier Ortega Desio, 9-Tomás Cubelli, 10-Nicolás Sánchez, 11-Ramiro Moyano, 12-Jerónimo de la Fuente, 13-Matías Orlando, 14-Matías Moroni, 15-Emiliano Boffelli

Reserves: 16-Julián Montoya, 17-Marco Vivas, 18-Santiago Medrano, 19-Matías Alemanno, 20-Tomás Lezana, 21-Felipe Ezcurra, 22-Joaquín Díaz Bonilla, 23-Joaquín Tuculet

Match Officials

Referee: Angus Gardner (AUS)

Assistant referees: Andrew Brace (IRE), Alexandre Ruiz (FRA)

Television match official: Graham Hughes (ENG)

5:40 AM: Hello everyone. We're about 25 minutes away from kickoff No late changes to the starting teams for the test.

5:41 AM: While we wait, you can read the match report from the Springboks' commanding 35-17 win over the Wallabies at Ellis Park.

5:55 AM: 10 minutes away now. There is a decent crowd at Estadio José Amalfitani.

5:57 AM: Both sides are heading out onto the field.

6:00 AM: Time for the national anthems & the traditional Maori haka by the All Blacks.

6:05 AM: Both anthems done. I must say, Argentina's one was really nice. This was the first time I've heard it in its entirety. It was quite long, but it was almost performed like a rock ballad.

KICK OFF: Finally, we're underway in Buenos Aires. The Pumas get us started, and Ngani Laumape takes the first hit up.

1ST MINUTE, PENALTY: Early penalty for Argentina as Jordie Barrett made contact with a player in mid air. Timing was just off. Nicolás Sánchez to take a shot at goal from 40 out.

2ND MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY GOAL ARGENTINA: Sánchez nails the goal and the Pumas have the lead early.

3RD MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): The Pumas are showing their intent early in the contest. The All Blacks were on the cusp of the 22, but they find themselves back on halfway.

4TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Argentina now on the counter-attack after Sam Cane leaves the ball behind in a tackle. The Pumas clear it and after taking a couple of tackles, Beauden Barrett smashes the ball downfield.

5TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY: Another penalty to Argentina. This time it's against Vaea Fifita. It is right on the halfway line, and the Pumas want another shot at goal. This time, Emiliano Boffelli will take the long range shot.

7TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY GOAL ARGENTINA: No mistake from Boffelli who doubles Argentina's lead.

8TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), SCRUM: A forward pass is called, and the Pumas will have a scrum inside the All Blacks' half.

9TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), SCRUM: A double knock-on, but the 1st was against the All Blacks, so another scrum to the Pumas.

11TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Fifita makes a high tackle, and it is within range of Boffelli, but the hosts opt to kick for touch instead.

13TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), SCRUM: The Pumas win the lineout and then go charging towards the line, and Pablo Matera makes a strong carry. They get the ball out quick, and Sevu Reece makes a massive tackle in front of the posts which leads to a knock-on. The All Blacks did a great to survive that onslaught.

15TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Ardie Savea goes for a big run off the back of the scrum. The All Blacks win their first penalty of the game.

16TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): From the lineout, Beauden Barrett tries a little trick play. but Boffelli gets to the ball first with Laumape chasing hard.

17TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY: The All Blacks have the ball for the first time inside the 22. Savea with another strong run. NZ now have a penalty advantage. Dane Coles, nearly goes over but the ball is held up, and Angus Gardner comes back for the penalty.

18TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS: Goodness me! It didn't look like it at 1st, but Ngani Laumape goes over the line for the first try of the game. First real attacking chance which leads to points.

19TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), CONVERSION ALL BLACKS: Beauden Barrett adds the extras, and the All Blacks lead 7-6.

20TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Ardie Savea and Sevu Reece have been the standouts so far for the All Blacks. Both players looking good. The Pumas have the ball inside NZ's half, and they launch an attacking bomb.

21ST MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY GOAL ARGENTINA: The Pumas have been awarded a penalty as one of the AB's players handles the ball from an offside position, and Sánchez lands his 2nd goal of the game. Argentina leads 9-7.

23RD MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: The All Blacks win the ball from the restart and a couple of plays later, they get a penalty for a ruck offence. Beauden Barrett to go for points.

24TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY GOAL ALL BLACKS: There is no mistake from in front and New Zealand are back in front.

26TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), SCRUM: An overthrow from Argentina at the lineout and Dane Coles swoops on the loose ball, but the hooker knocks the ball on. Scrum to the hosts.

28TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Argentina back on the attack, but the AB's defence holds firm.

29TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): A golden opportunity blown for the All Blacks. Sevu Reece with the Ken Maumalo type of run and finds Beauden Barrett in support, but nobody is in support of the first-five. Sadly the ball goes out to Jordie Barrett, and the left winger bobbles the ball into touch.

31ST MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Penalty to the AB's and Beauden Barrett kicks for touch. They will have a line out 5 out from the line.

32ND MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY: Argentina defence is good, but they concede a penalty for taking a man out at the ruck. They kick for the corner yet again.

33RD MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Ben Smith bursts into a hole, and Ramiro Moyano makes a try-saving tackle on the All Blacks fullback.

35TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), SCRUM: Another error by Fifita. Argentina look very tired right now, and they're taking their time to set the scrum.

36TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY: Tremendous scrum by the All Blacks and they win a penalty. It's right in front of the posts about 40 out and Sam Cane points straight to the posts.

38TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY GOAL ALL BLACKS: No mistake from the All Blacks first-five who extends the lead.

39TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY ALL BLACKS: A huge try here which will have a massive impact on the game. Nicolás Sánchez throws a pass, and it has been intercepted by Brodie Retallick who strolls over.

40TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), CONVERSION ALL BLACKS: Beauden Barrett nails the conversion, and the All Blacks lead 20-9. Time for one last play before halftime.

HALFTIME:The All Blacks lead 20-9 at halftime, Brodie Retallick and Ngani Laumape with the tries. Ardie Savea has been the best player out on the field with debutant Sevu Reece also playing well.

40TH MINUTE: The All Blacks get the 2nd half under way in Buenos Aires. Argentina clear the ball and it comes off 'Beaudy' Barrett and into touch. Argentina have a line out just outside the 22.

42ND MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Amazing, glorious play by the All Blacks, who absolutely win a penalty and they now get the chance to hoof the ball away.

43RD MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): The All Blacks steal a line out throw and have the ball on halfway.

45TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Argentina win a penalty as a man is taken out off the ball. They are kicking for the corner.

47TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), TRY ARGENTINA: Emiliano Boffelli scores a stunning try - Argentina's first try of the match. Nicolás Sánchez kicks high in the air, and Boffelli strips the ball off Ben Smith to score.

48TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), CONVERSION ARGENTINA: Sánchez lands the conversion and the AB's lead is now only 4.

49TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), SUBSTITUTION: Argentina take a couple of changes. Agustín Creevy has gone off. As I type that, Jordie Barrett makes a error as he carries the ball inside the 22 and kicks the ball into touch on the full.

50TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY: Another penalty to Argentina. They are going for the posts this time.

51ST MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY MISS: Nicolás Sánchez with arguably his easiest penalty attempt of the day and he misses.

52ND MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER) Then Ardie Savea is flattened by one of the Pumas players. BOOMFA!

53RD MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): The ball is back just outside the Pumas 22 and then clear the ball to Jordie Barrett. Time is off as there was an incident off the ball involving Dane Coles.

54TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY: Penalty given to Argentina due to an incident off the ball involving Coles. Didn't look like much but was a penalty.

55TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): A mistake by Argentina lets the AB's of the hook. Beauden Barrett goes for a run, but cannot find much space. They run the ball out of the 22 and they kick a grubber to get out of the danger zone.

57TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), SCRUM & SUBSTITUTION: The All Blacks beginning to build the pressure on, but Jordie Barrett loses it forward in a tackle. Luke Jacobson comes on for his debut and Jackson Hemopo comes on also. Patrick Tuipulotu and Vaea Fifita make way and both will be disappointed with their efforts.

59TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): A few scrum resets...Looks like Atu Moli and Nepo Laulala will be coming on soon.

60TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), SCRUM: A forward pass is called against New Zealand. Scrum to Argentina on the halfway line.

61ST MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), SUBSTITUTION: Emiliano Boffelli comes off for Joaquín Tuculet with the AB's bringing both Angus Ta'avao & Ofa Tu'ungafasi off too.

63RD MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), SCRUM: The All Blacks are pinned inside their half and Beauden Barrett fakes a kick before clearing. Argentina make a mistake on the counter-attack.

64TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), SCRUM: Beauden Barrett makes a half break and offloads to Sam Cane, who drops the ball. His hands have let him down in this match.

66TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): A scrum on the halfway line to the home side.

68TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): A potential try here to Argentina. I'm not sure, but they're going to the Television Match Official with the on-field decision of try. This is a massive call.
NO TRY ARGENTINA: Beauden Barrett managed to tackle Matías Moroni into touch before he threw the ball back infield. All Blacks lineout.

69TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), SCRUM: Argentina win the ball from the All Blacks lineout, and now they're driving closer and closer to the line. But a mistake by Matías Orlando sees New Zealand get the ball.

71ST MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), SCRUM: Less than 10 minutes remain here. There is a double knock on, so a scrum to the Pumas.

73RD MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): The Pumas dominating possession on the halfway line, but Liam Coltman turns the ball over and they trap Argentina inside the 22.

74TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), SCRUM: Debutant Braydon Ennor makes a good run and they're inside the 22, but NZ knocks the ball on.

75TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): A half chance nearly turns into something for the All Blacks, but the last pass goes to ground again.

77TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): 3 minutes remain in Argentina. That missed penalty could come back to hurt Argentina who could have tried to set up for a drop goal. But they need a try to win the game & make history.

78TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): 2 minutes remaining. A scrum to Argentina on halfway.

79TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY: A penalty advantage to Argentina. They're just outside the 22.

80TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Now a line out to the Pumas 5 metres out from the line.

80TH MINUTE + 1ST MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY: Another advantage to Argentina. They go for the corner again as the siren goes off.

FULL TIME - The Pumas drive, but Angus Gardner gives a scrum to the All Blacks and then he blows his whistle. New Zealand survive, despite not scoring in the 2nd half.

7:53 AM: Thank you for tuning in. Remember, the All Blacks face the Springboks next weekend in Wellington.

ARGENTINA 16-20 ALL BLACKS

And in other Rugby Championship news such as the 2nd string Springboks team who were too good against the Wallabies (Who were without Israel Folau after his contract with Australia rugby had been let go), thrashing them 35 - 17 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg (Including both tries by new Springbok halfback Herschelle Jantjies but there were 2 yellow cards from both sides including a head high tackle/high shot by Springbok second five Andre Esterhuizen on Tom Banks & a no arms tackle without the ball to the chest by the Tongan Thor, Taniela Tupou on Rynhardt Elstadt (He would've been red carded or should I say sent off the field in disgrace (Well, that was unacceptable) which was an absolute game changer).

And finally the Maori All Blacks deserve some revenge against Fiji (Who had beaten them in Suva) 26 - 17 at the Rotorua International Stadium in Rotorua (It was cold there compared to Suva which was hot).

So that is my 298th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 38th of this year (There is only 2 blogs left until I reach the big 300).

Thursday, 18 July 2019

All Blacks team naming against Argentina (2019 Rugby Championship)

Well (After our disappointing Cricket World Cup final for the Black Caps against England in a super over to decide the fate of the World Cup at Lord's in London as a result of the boundary count back rule which cost us a shot of winning our 1st Cricket World Cup title but we are now focused on the rugby because it is time to move on from the cricket), the All Blacks have named their team against Argentina in our 1st test match of the year as well as the opening game of the 2019 Rugby Championship season (It's a shortened championship due to World Cup year) at Estadio Jose Amalfitani in Buenos Aires so here is the starting lineup in it's entirety:

PLAYING XV

FRONT ROW
1 (Loose head prop): Ofa Tu'ungafasi (Blues/Auckland)
2 (Hooker): Dane Coles (Hurricanes/Wellington)
3 (Tight head prop): Angus Ta'avao (Chiefs/Taranaki)

SECOND ROW
4 (Lock): Brodie Retallick (Chiefs/Hawke's Bay)
5 (Lock): Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues/Auckland)

BACK ROW
6 (Blind side flanker): Vaea Fifita (Hurricanes/Wellington)
7 (Open side flanker): Sam Cane (Captain, Chiefs/Bay Of Plenty)
8 (Number 8): Ardie Savea (Hurricanes/Wellington)

HALVES
9 (Half-back): Aaron Smith (Highlanders/Manawatu)
10 (First five-eighth): Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes/Taranaki)

MIDFIELD
12 (Second five-eighth): Ngani Laumape (Hurricanes/Manawatu)
13 (Centre): Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs/Waikato)

OUTSIDE BACKS
11 (Left wing): Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes/Taranaki)
14 (Right wing): Sevu Reece (Crusaders/Waikato)
& 15 (Fullback): Ben Smith (Highlanders/Otago)

And in the reserves are:

16. Liam Coltman (Who replaces Nathan Harris who is dropped from the 39 man All Blacks squad for the 2019 Rugby Championship)
17. Atu Moli (Who is in line to make his test debut off the bench)
18. Nepo Laulala (Who is dropped to the bench to make way for Angus Ta'avao who is elevated to the starting lineup)
19. Jackson Hemopo (Who comes into the side to replace Brodie Retallick who is also elevated to the starting lineup)
20. Luke Jacobson (Who is also in line to make his test debut off the bench)
21. Brad Weber (Who is back in the fold 4 years after playing his last test against Samoa)
22. Josh Ioane (Who'll make his test debut off the bench along with Atu Moli & Luke Jacobson)
& 23. Braydon Ennor (Who'll also make his test debut off the bench along with Moli, Jacobson & Josh Ioane)

So that is my 297th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 37th of this year (There is only 3 to go until I reach 300 blogs).

Sunday, 14 July 2019

Yellow: 2019 Cricket World Cup final round up (Another disappointing final for the Black Caps + Wimbeldon women's & men's singles final review)

Well, the Black Caps of New Zealand have again missed out on a golden chance to lift the Cricket World Cup crown against the hosts England (Who had Christchurch born English cricketer Ben Stokes (Son of former New Zealand rugby league player Gerard (Who sadly passed away in December 2020) but I wish he would've played for New Zealand but he opted to play international cricket for England instead) been awarded man of the match for his heroics with the bat when he top scored 84 not out off 98 deliveries (He managed to score an unbeaten half century in the final) who won it for the 1st time (1st it was the West Indies (Twice in 1975 & 1979), India (Twice in 1983 & 2011), Australia (5 times in 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007 & 2015), Pakistan (Once in 1992) & Sri Lanka (Once in 1996) in a dramatic super over to decide the 2019 Cricket World Cup in the final at Lord's (4 more years I'm afraid but this is like 2015 all over again) because the final ended in a tie (The next one will be in India in 2023 but let's hope all that can change for New Zealand) but England win on a boundary count back rule which cost our chance of our 1st Cricket World Cup triumph, so hard luck to our beloved Black Caps here (And what a disappointing way for New Zealand to end a World Cup like this, what a match for our viewers right around the world tuning in to this action packed nail biter).

So that is my 296th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 36th of this year (There is exactly 4 remaining until I reach the triple ton).

P.S. And Romanian Simona Halep has won the women's singles final at Wimbeldon, beating American Serena Williams in the final while Serbian World No.1 Novak Djokovic has crushed Swiss superstar Roger ''Fed Express'' Federer in the men's singles final.

Friday, 12 July 2019

2019 Cricket World Cup semifinal round up

Well, New Zealand are in the final yet again after comprehensively beaten India in the semifinal by 18 runs at Old Trafford in Manchester (New Zealand bowler Matt Henry got his man of the match performance after claiming 3 wickets but what about that throw to Martin Guptill to dismiss MS Dhoni because that run out decided our fate of reaching the final) while hosts England are in the final after demoralizing & mesmerizing the defending champions Australia in the other semifinal by 8 wickets at Edgbaston in Birmingham (English all rounder Chris Woakes was the top performer after claiming his man of the match award).

So it's New Zealand against hosts England (Well, both sides have never won a Cricket World Cup title to their name so both teams desperately want their name to be etched on the trophy but there can only be one winner (And one will become champions of the world) at Lord's this Sunday in the 2019 Cricket World Cup final so stay tuned & watch this space (And may the best team win! Good luck out there).

So that is my 295th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 35th of this year (There is exactly 5 more until I reach 300).

Saturday, 6 July 2019

2019 Super Rugby final review & 2019 Cricket World Cup round up part 6

Well, the final of the 2019 Super Rugby championship season between the Crusaders & Jaguares went down to the wire so here is the match commentary of the final:

Kia ora, good evening and welcome to Newshub's live coverage of the 2019 Super Rugby Final between the Crusaders and Jaguares.

It's a night that promises history with the Crusaders looking at a third-straight title and tenth overall while the Jaguares are looking to claim a maiden crown in just their fourth year.

7:03PM: Hello folks, ready for some rugby? Should be a cracker. The Jaguares are no joke and if they can get a good start they will be tough to break.

7:14PM:  Very cold conditions but the pitch is dry so we should see some good rugby tonight.

7:26PM: No late changes to report - teams as per advertised.

KICK OFF: Mo'unga gets the game underway - mistake from the Jaguares at the ruck. the Crusaders have an attacking scrum - 20m out.

1ST MINUTE: Read goes right off the scrum, finds Mo'unga who finds Reece but good cover defence from Moyano and the new All Black losses the ball forward.

3RD MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Crusaders on attack following a turnover 20m out. Hall from the ruck finds Goodhue but his hands let him down. Defensive scrum for the Jaguares.

7TH MINUTE (4 MINUTES LATER): Jags can't get out of their own half - they finally clear but it's not great. Lineout on the Jags 30m.

8TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Crusaders full of mistakes tonight. Sam Whitelock this time with a forward pass inside the red zone.

9TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Another Crusaders mistake. Ennor this time and the Jags clear down field. 22 for the Crusaders.

10TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Box kick from Cubelli, Motera chasing and Havilli is up but he knocks the ball on. Scrum Jags, 15 inside Crusaders territory.

12TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Jags on the attack - Ortega Desio makes a mini-break, great tackle Mo'unga. Scrum Jags on the Crusaders 22.

14TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Jags playing under advantage. De la Fuente smashes through the Crusaders midfield. Jags shift but Moyano is dragged out by Reece, but they come back for the penalty in a handy position.

15TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY GOAL JAGUARES: No mistake from Bonilla and the Jags have a lead. JAG 3-0.

17TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Superb defence from the Jags. Crusaders building pressure with possession but Ennor is hammered by Matera and the ball comes free. Six handing errors in 17 minutes for the home side.

19TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Scrum penalty for the Jags. Joe Moody pinged for a scrum infringement.

20TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Crusaders clear from danger Bonilla with a poor kick is collected by hall - fair catch claimed. Mo'unga boots it down field. Jags lineout on their own 22.

22ND MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Another error from the Crusaders. Bryn Hall with a terrible pass floats out of play and it was forward. Jaguares scrum on their own 22.

23RD MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Crusaders attacking but they cough the ball up again on the Jags 22. Jags counter but they don't get far. Lineout Crusaders 30m out.

25TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), TRY CRUSADERS: Codie Taylor - Out of nowhere. Matt Todd rips the ball free from a Jags rolling maul. Read fires a pass left to Whitelock who is away down the touchline, draw and pass to Taylor who scores in the tackle of Cubelli. CRU 7-3.

27TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Lineout for the Crusaders on halfway.

28TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY: Penalty for the Jags. Lineout infringement from the Crusaders.

30TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Jags on the attack but brutal defence from the Crusaders - just relentless and they earn a takeover 10m out from their own line.

31ST MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY: Scrum penalty for the Crusaders inside their won 22. Mo'unga clears over halfway.

33RD MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Taylor's throw is awful - Jags on attack. Up and under from Boffelli - knock on Crusaders by Sevu Reece. Scrum Jaguares just inside the Crusaders half.

34TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Another Crusaders mistake. Read drops the ball in contact and the Jags have an attacking scrum on the Crusaders 22.

36TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): So close for the Jaguares! Great phase play - 14 phases. Matera pops a pass to Moroni who is away down the right hand side, he steps Havilli but the fullback just gets around his shoe laces and brings him down short of the line and Moroni knocks the ball on. Scrum Crusaders on their 5m line.

38TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Mo'unga clears but it only reaches the 22. Jags lineout.

39TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Mistake from Kremer and the Crusaders have a defensive scrum on their own 22.

40TH MINUTE + 1ST MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Break out from the Crusaders through Bryn Hall, Goodhue and Ennor - up to the Jags 30m line and the earn a penalty to end the half.

40TH MINUTE + 2ND MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY GOAL CRUSADERS: Mo'unga drills it and somehow the Crusaders lead by seven at halftime. CRU 10-3.

2ND HALF: The Jaguares get us underway for the final 40 mins of Super Rugby 2019.

41ST MINUTE:  Hall from the base of the ruck kicks, finds touch on the Crusaders 10m line.

42ND MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Jaguares through 6 phases, but they kick the ball away 30m out???? Mo'unga clears.

43RD MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Jaguares go close again! Matera pop pass finds de la Fuente who is away - he chips and chases and regathers, inside ball to Moroni but he knocks the ball on. Scrum Crusaders on their 5m line.

46TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER): Mistake from the Jaguares after 12 phases. Lavanini with the drop ball in contact. The Crusaders making a lot of tackles early doors in the second spell.

48TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Scrum penalty for the Crusaders. Mo'unga clears to the Jags 22. Whitelock knocks the ball on at the lineout to ruin that Crusaders chance.

51ST MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Penalty for the Crusaders right in front but Whitelock wants more than three-points - they quick tap - Crusaders claiming a try. Referee goes upstairs. Matt Todd looks to be held up.

52ND MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Scrum 5m for the Crusaders.

53RD MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Scrum penalty for the Crusaders - Whitelock wants the gift 3 points.

54TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY GOAL CRUSADERS: Mo'unga adds the 3 from in front. CRU 13-3.

57TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER): Long period of back and forth play ends in a Jaguares lineout on their own 22.

58TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Jags clear but not very far. Crusaders lineout 30m out.

59TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY: Crusaders have a penalty 22m out, 10m in. Mo'unga will have a shot. Crusaders taking over now.

60TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER), PENALTY GOAL CRUSADERS: Mo'unga stretches the lead to 13 making no mistake. CRU 16-3.

61ST MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Jaguares with a good spell of possession but Kremer coughs the ball up and the Crusaders have a scrum on halfway.

62ND MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Penalty for the Jaguares inside their own half - Crusaders offside at the ruck. Lineout on the Crusaders 5m line.

63RD MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Jags make a mess of a set play and the Crusaders clear.

66TH MINUTE (3 MINUTES LATER): Scrum for the Jags 30m out from the Crusaders line.

67TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Lineout 5m for the Jaguares.

68TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Loose pass in the midfield by Bonilla but Ennor drops the ball cold and the Jags have a scrum, centre field, 5m out.

69TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Jaguares go close again! Bonilla with a lovely chip kick for Moroni but the ball just rolls one bounce over the dead ball line. Dropout 22 for the Crusaders.

70TH MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Crusaders have a scrum on halfway.

71ST MINUTE (1 MINUTE LATER): Game is messy at the moment. Time running out for the Jags. Scrum Crusaders 40m out from the Jags line.

73RD MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY: Penalty for the Crusaders on the 10m line. Mo'unga will have a shot.

75TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER), PENALTY GOAL CRUSADERS: Mo'unga drills a long one. CRU 19-3.

77TH MINUTE (2 MINUTES LATER): Jaguares have a scrum midway halfway and 22.

FULL TIME: That's it! Three straight Super Rugby titles for the Crusaders. Well deserved too, The Jags were game and had their chances but the Crusaders were just too good.

CRUSADERS 19 JAGUARES 3

Super Rugby
#RaiseTheStakes

And finally in the 2019 Cricket World Cup news desk, Pakistan miss out on a place in the semifinal (How would New Zealand survive after 3 straight losses against Pakistan, Australia & England to qualify for the semis like that?) after beating Bangladesh but well short of the required 350 to 400+ run mark at Lord's in London then India topple Sri Lanka (Who had to farewell Lasith Malinga) to go on top of the standings at Headingley before something had happened as South Africa sign off the tournament in style as they had an upset win against Australia (Although Australia dropped to 2nd place in the standings) at Old Trafford.

So here is the confirmed list for the semifinal matches being played in the 2019 Cricket World Cup:

India Vs New Zealand: Old Trafford, Manchester
& Australia (Defending champions) Vs England (Hosts): Edgbaston, Birmingham

So that is my 294th blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 34th of this year (6 left until I hit the triple ton so I'm on 294 not out).

Thursday, 4 July 2019

Super Rugby semifinal wrap & 2019 Cricket World Cup round up part 5 (+ Mum & Pops birthday celebrations & the AB's squad announcement)

Well, the semifinals of the 2019 Super Rugby championship has been decided, it will be the Crusaders (Who'll attempt to make history again to do a threepeat just like in 2000 but can the Crusaders do as the Golden State Warriors (Who missed out on a threepeat against the strong Toronto Raptors side from Canada in this years NBA finals) can't) taking on the Jaguares in the final at Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch as the Jaguares became the 1st team to advance to the final as well as becoming the 1st Argentinian side to reach the final after thrashing the Brumbies 39 - 7 at the Jose Amalfitani Stadium before the Crusaders, well, they're in the final for the 3rd year running after beating the Hurricanes in a nail biting encounter at Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch (Including that controversial decision made by Australian referee Nic Berry to award the Crusaders a scrum but he got the decision wrong as he should've awarded the penalty to the Hurricanes (And they should've & could've won the game but that cost the Hurricanes a big opportunity to seal the deal & head off to Buenos Aires for the final (And most Hurricanes fans are livid about that controversial decision that will always be remembered) after Crusaders captain Sam Whitelock knocked the ball out of Hurricanes halfback TJ Perenara's hands (And the ball was out as Whitelock was on his feet & he was onside) but the Crusaders have lost both players (They could miss for up to 6 - 8 weeks on the sidelines) for the final through hand injuries such as lock Scott Barrett (Ruled out with a broken finger) & second-five eighth Ryan Crotty (Also out with a broken thumb).

And finally in the 2019 Cricket World Cup news desk, South Africa get their 2nd win of the Cricket World Cup by thrashing Sri Lanka before Pakistan defeat minnows Afghanistan then New Zealand miss out on a win against the dominant Australian side at Lord's, losing 2 in a row in the process (Despite that hat-trick from New Zealand pace man Trent Boult (He got one against Pakistan in an ODI in 2018 then against Australia in a World Cup match but now he has 2 ODI hat-tricks throughout his career) while England turn the tables on India to keep their semifinal hopes alive before Sri Lanka win by 23 runs against the West Indies with the help of Sri Lankan Avishka Fernando getting a century in the match then India book a place in the semifinal by finishing off Bangladesh then New Zealand (Who have now been losing 3 in a row (1st it was Pakistan then defending champions Australia & now hosts England but they have ruled pace bowler Lockie Ferguson out for the match against England with injury) were no match against hosts England with the hosts qualified for the semifinal (Well, the match between Pakistan & Bangladesh will determine the outcome of a semifinal place...If Pakistan win, New Zealand are out & if the Pakistanis fail to beat Bangladesh, the New Zealanders are through) while the West Indies diminish Afghanistan's hopes for a win with a 23 run victory against the minnows.

So that is my 293rd blog of the year 2019 (MMXIX) & my 33rd of this year (7 to go until I reach the triple ton).

P.S. And guess who's birthday today (And yesterday), it's Pops today because he is 72 years old now (And so too is Mum who turned 61) so I want to wish both of them (I mean no disrespect intended) a happy birthday (And we had a nice curry for lunch yesterday before Mum arrived & we went to Thai Villa to commemorate on Mum's 61st birthday for dinner last night (And we're going to the Club Metro for Pops birthday dinner tonight).

And it's been 3 days since the All Blacks squad has been named for the 2019 Rugby Championship (They open our campaign against Argentina in Buenos Aires before we take on the Springboks at Westpac Stadium in Wellington for a chance to redeem themselves after missing out on a win last year & finally against the Wallabies in the final round which is the 1st of 2 Bledisloe Cup tests in Perth (They face the Wallabies again in the 2nd Bledisloe Cup test at Eden Park in Auckland before taking on Tonga at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton in a pre-Rugby World Cup test match then they face South Africa, Canada, Namibia & Italy in pool B in the 2019 Rugby World Cup (Which is happening in 2 months time) at the Ponsonby Rugby Club so here's the full squad in it's entirety:

Forwards

Hookers
Asafo Aumua (22, Hurricanes / Wellington, uncapped)
Dane Coles (32, Hurricanes / Wellington, 60)
Liam Coltman (29, Highlanders / Otago, 4)
Codie Taylor (28, Crusaders / Canterbury, 41)

Props
Owen Franks (31, Crusaders / Canterbury, 106)
Nepo Laulala (27, Chiefs / Counties Manukau, 17)
Joe Moody (30, Crusaders /Canterbury, 37)
Atu Moli (24, Chiefs / Tasman, uncapped)
Angus Ta’avao (29, Chiefs / Taranaki, 3)
Karl Tu’inukuafe (26, Blues / North Harbour, 13)
Ofa Tu'ungafasi (27, Blues / Auckland, 26)

Locks
Brodie Retallick (28, Chiefs / Hawke’s Bay, 75)
Patrick Tuipulotu (26, Blues / Auckland, 21)
Samuel Whitelock (30, Crusaders / Canterbury, 108)

Utility Forward
Jackson Hemopo (25, Highlanders / Manawatu,3)

Loose Forwards
Sam Cane (27, Chiefs / Bay of Plenty, 60)
Vaea Fifita (27, Hurricanes / Wellington, 9)
Shannon Frizell (25, Highlanders / Tasman, 4)
Luke Jacobson (22, Chiefs / Waikato, new cap)
Dalton Papalii (21, Blues / Auckland, 2)
Kieran Read (33, Crusaders / Counties Manukau, 118) — Captain
Ardie Savea (25, Hurricanes / Wellington, 35)
Matt Todd (31, Crusaders / Canterbury, 17)

Backs

Halfbacks
TJ Perenara (27, Hurricanes / Wellington, 55)
Aaron Smith (30, Highlanders / Manawatu, 82)
Brad Weber (28, Chiefs / Hawke’s Bay, 1)

First five–eighths
Beauden Barrett (28, Hurricanes / Taranaki, 73)
Josh Ioane (23, Highlanders / Otago, new cap)
Richie Mo’unga (25, Crusaders / Canterbury, 9)

Midfielders
Jack Goodhue (24, Crusaders / Northland, 7)
Ngani Laumape (26, Hurricanes / Manawatu, 10)
Anton Lienert-Brown (24, Chiefs / Waikato, 33)
Sonny Bill Williams (33, Blues / Counties Manukau, 51)

Utility Backs
Braydon Ennor (21, Crusaders / Canterbury, new cap)
Jordie Barrett (22, Hurricanes / Taranaki, 9)

Outside backs
George Bridge (24, Crusaders / Canterbury, 1)
Rieko Ioane (22, Blues / Auckland, 24)
Sevu Reece (22, Crusaders / Waikato, new cap)
Ben Smith (33, Highlanders /Otago, 76)

4 new All Blacks (Such as the likes of Braydon Ennor, Josh Ioane, former New Zealand Under 20s captain Luke Jacobson & top try scorer of the 2019 Super Rugby competition, Sevu Reece (Well, that is a controversial selection but he should not have been picked for the AB's like that), so be it. But those 5 have missed out on selection are Scott Barrett, Ryan Crotty, Damian McKenzie, Tim Perry (4 have been injured) & Liam Squire (Who felt like that he's not ready to play international rugby) also as well as Ma'a Nonu whose All Black comeback plans have been put on hold.